These lists has been compiled by Volunteers serving in [[{{#explode:Packing list for Kyrgyzstan| |3}} {{#explode:Packing list for Kyrgyzstan| |4}} {{#explode:Packing list for Kyrgyzstan| |5}}]] based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list!

This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in the Kyrgyz Republic and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that each Volunteer’s experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have a 100-pound weight limit on baggage. The most important things to bring are yourself, a sense of humor, and a sense of adventure!

Dress is very important in the Kyrgyz Republic. The popular image of a Peace Corps Volunteer in sandals and a T-shirt with a university logo is not appropriate in this country (nor is military-style clothing or accessories). Fair or not, people are judged by the way they dress in the Kyrgyz Republic, more so than in the United States. Your colleagues will dress as professionals and for you to do otherwise will be considered disrespectful. If you come to work inappropriately dressed, your colleagues, students, and others in the community will probably not say anything to you directly but may talk unfavorably about you to others. Following the lead of your co-workers will help you gain acceptance and respect in your community. This does not mean that you need to spend a lot of money on new clothing. Rather, be selective in what you bring, and consider buying some of your professional clothing in Bishkek. The quality and style may not be equal to that found in American brands, but they are the same clothes your local colleagues will be wearing.

Luggage should be lightweight, durable, lockable, and easy to carry. Duffel bags and backpacks without frames are best because you will be hauling your luggage around on foot— there are no redcaps or luggage carts in this part of the world.

T-shirts (without wording or pictures about controversial issues such as politics, drugs, and sex)

One or two pairs of jeans

Sports and fitness clothing, such as jogging pants (shorts are inappropriate in most places but can be worn in a gym or when running in a stadium)

Hat or baseball cap for protection from the sun

Underwear and socks for two years (locally available products tend to be of poor quality)

Bandannas or handkerchiefs

stocking cap/ski cap

wool socks (at least six pairs)

Note: Avoid bringing white or light-colored clothing, as dust

and mud are ubiquitous. Additionally, the largest size of

clothing available typically is Large. Extra-Large or larger is not to be found here

For Men

Sport jacket or suit

Several pairs of nice slacks

Several shirts with collars

A few nice sweaters

Ties

For Women

Several skirts or dresses with hems below the knee, for summer and winter

Several nice blouses and shirts (short-sleeved tops are fine if modest)

A couple of pairs of nice slacks (which can be worn as professional clothing in some places)

A shorter skirt or dress for evenings out in Bishkek

Nylons or tights (thicker ones are great for cold weather) Shoes

Dress shoes—for men, loafers are practical because they can be slipped off easily when entering a home; for women, comfortable, low-heeled pumps are recommended; Volunteers who will be on their feet a lot might consider black sneakers that look like shoes

Sneakers

Sandals and/or flip-flops (for both dress and use as shower shoes)

Hiking boots or warm boots (either/or because they are heavy)

One or two pairs of warm, waterproof winter boots, which both men and women often wear to work in the winter (great boots in smaller sizes are available locally for around $20)

Extra shoelaces

Note: Shoes smaller than size 10 (men) or size 9 (women) are available locally, but larger shoes are not.

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

Enough deodorant, soap, and other toiletries to last you through pre-service training (many of the brands available in Bishkek will be familiar to you, but if you require specific brands, you may want to bring more); feminine hygiene supplies are available in local markets

Contact lens solutions, which the Peace Corps does not provide (if you wear contact lenses)

Lip balm—although this is an item in the medical kit, you might want to bring your own brand

A three-month supply of any medications you take, to last you until the Peace Corps can order refills for you Two pairs of eyeglasses, if you wear them (replacements can take a long time to arrive from the United States); consider bringing a repair kit

Hand sanitizer—a large bottle and a smaller one to refill

Antibacterial gel or baby wipes

Spot remover or Woolite (for clothes that need special care)

Fabric refreshener or odor remover (e.g., Febreeze)

Favorite vitamins or nutrition supplements

Tweezers, items for nail care, pumice stone, callus removers, etc.

Kitchen

You can buy most kitchen supplies in-country, but there are a few items that Volunteers recommend bringing:

Lots of sealable plastic storage bags (you can pack stuff in them for the trip to the Kyrgyz Republic)